D.C. United forward Alecko Eskandarian set the tone early with his fourth goal of the year, a thunderous left-footed volley, in Saturday’s 2-1 in over Kansas City. But defense was the story of the match, as both United’s Troy Perkins (five saves) and the Wizards’ Bo Oshoniyi (six saves) were busy in the net.
Perkins was forced to stay sharp during a few defensive mishaps, but D.C.’s biggest disappointment may have been poor finishing as it sought a late goal to close out the win.
“It was unfortunate that we didn’t get that third goal, but Bo pulled some great saves,” said D.C. defender Bobby Boswell.
Kansas City was left searching for a silver lining after playing without three of its top players — forwards Josh Wolff, Eddie Johnson and defender Jimmy Conrad — who joined the U.S. national team last week along with United’s Ben Olsen.
“I think a lot of guys proved to themselves and to the team that they can play,” said Kansas City midfielder Sasha Victorine of the Wizards’ attack, where second-year forwards Ryan Pore and Scott Sealy started up top in place of Wolff and Johnson.
United will meet the Wizards three more times during the regular season.
“We’ve just got to keep building on that. [RFK Stadium] is probably one of the harder stadiums to come in and play,” said Victorine. “There’s not a lot of tougher ones for guys playing their first games. It’s a tough environment and a good experience.”
